Over 300 buildings were judged predominantly on "excellence in both aesthetic and functional design." To qualify, buildings had to be over 100 metres in height and completed in 2015.

The Shanghai Tower was selected as victor for its "elegant spiraling cylindrical shape," and "extraordinary energy efficiency."

More than just a pretty face, the £1.95 ($2.4) billion Chinese tower also boasts the world's fastest elevator, which propels guests up its 128 floors at 20 metres per second.

Both first and second place towers in the awards featured a twisted façade, a testament to the evolving nature of skyscraper architecture, which is diverging from the traditional linear structure thanks to new technologies.

Below, we've listed the top 10 skyscrapers according to Emporis from tenth place to first.

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10. ÏCE II, Canada — 234 metres, 67 floors

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Based in Toronto, ICE II is the second in the ICE series of condominium skyscrapers, which are inspired by a sleek Scandinavian design. Currently, the cheapest ICE apartment for sale is a 300 sq ft, single bed Bachelor Suite on offer for £200,000.

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9. Citygate, Austria — 110 metres, 35 floors

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The Citygate tower in Austria's capital of Vienna is linked to a shopping mall, meaning residents never have to travel far for some retail therapy.